overview
Richard was born and raised in London, and has spent his entire career in finance within the consumer sector, having started out in Citi’s Consumer and Retail M&A team. He loves interacting with brands that are doing something innovative. Outside of True, he’s a keen sports spectator and enthusiast, and an avid reader (all recommendations welcome).
meet Richard
Why did you choose True?
At the time, True was just starting out and had a vision to be the focal point for the consumer sector. I wanted to be an integral part of something ambitious, surrounded by good people, and to be an investor into the sector for which I have always been incredibly passionate.
How would you describe your job to a five-year-old?
I try to find good people and businesses that I want to work with for a long time.
What do you love most — and least — about your job?
I love the people. I want to work with people who are great at what they do, who are authentically themselves, and have fun along the way.
Name an idea or company that reimagined a business or industry — one you wish you’d thought of.
I have always loved Lululemon. Everything seems so slick and simple. They were the original gangsters of creating simple, understated, incredibly well-designed, community-led, sports apparel. Their culture and ethos was well ahead of its time too. Their stores are community temples for yoga - great execution in retail.
Which person or people helped shape and inspire who you are today?
My 'old man', who ran the family’s menswear business with his brother. I remember being very small and visiting one of his stores in a shopping centre somewhere on the outskirts of London, a fly-on-the-wall in 1990s UK retail.
True stories featuring Richard
Insight
The rise of at-home fitness - True's views on the fitness sector
As specialist investors in the consumer space, we are fascinated by shifts in behaviour, such as the move towards at-home fitness, and what they mean for brands and business models longer term. Trying to predict which behavioural shifts will become permanent is a key part of our role. Here we look at the health and fitness sector.
insight
Taking Sneak to the next level: why we invested in Sneak
Sneak is disrupting the energy drinks market, with a distinctively branded healthy alternative. We believe that Sneak has the creativity, brand power, product attributes, and founding team to continue its disruption of the UK energy drinks market and to grow internationally, both in the US and Europe.
relevant people
Oscar King
Principal, Investment
“Oscar’s a delight to work with, he loves data and analysis but will always combine this with a smile to get the best result for everyone.”
Catherine Pelton
Principal, Investment
“Incredibly smart, highly motivated and genuinely passionate, Catherine is truly remarkable and the exact type of person you’d want on your team.”
